Don't be afraid to ask your guests to bring their folding chairs if necessary. Seating Make sure you have enough seating for everyone.Decoration Set up your table and use any decoration you bought.Food Buy the produce for the salads and other fresh meals, and prepare the dishes that are left.Children If children are attending, make sure you remove anything dangerous to them.Cameras Make sure your photo and video cameras are charged and ready to be used.Food Go shopping for the perishables and cook the dishes that can be preserved in the fridge or in the freezer.Cleaning Do lighter cleaning like dusting and counters.Fridge Clean up your refrigerator and make space for all the food you'll buy and prepare during the following days.Food You can buy the beverages and non-perishables at this point.Cleaning Start doing the bigger cleaning, such as floors and windows.Decoration If you decide to decorate your house, choose how and buy the supplies in the store.Guests Confirm your guests' attendance, but leave flexibility for last-minute arrangements.Entertainment Choose the music you will play, if any, and think about ways to keep the children busy and safe without much adult supervision.Potluck notices After planning your menu, assign dishes (or at least a course) to your guests.Menu Plan the food, whether you are cooking or having a potluck.Rental Go to your rental store and reserve anything you might need at least ten days ahead, if not more.

Inventory Look through your house for party supplies.Consider a 'bring your own beverage' party to save on alcohol. If you will require help from your guests, let them know how much. Facebook has become a very useful tool in party-planning, but don't neglect your friends who are not on the site. Invitations Invite your guests by phone, email or even Facebook.Guests Write down your guest list and give 'plus ones' if necessary.People usually have parties on weekends, but don't feel restrained if your guests are available during the week. Time Decide on the day, and the time of the day.

Free printable party planner checklist